Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander Bowden Francis has once again astounded and heartbroken fans with another near-miss at a no-hitter, this time against the New York Mets. Francis’s thrilling performance on the mound has recently become must-watch action, highlighted by his outstanding display in his last four starts.
In a gripping game at Citi Field, Francis was on the verge of baseball immortality, delivering eight hitless innings before he faced Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. Lindor shattered the no-hit bid with a solo home run leading off the ninth inning, marking the second time in just eighteen days that Francis's bid for a no-hitter was lost to a late-game homer. Earlier, it was the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward who robbed Francis of history.
Francis's Performance
Francis’s mastery on the mound was underscored by his efficient, almost effortless eighth inning, where he retired the side on just six pitches, keeping the Mets' hitters off-balance and the Jays' hopes of a no-hitter alive. Interestingly, despite his dominant performance, he recorded only one strikeout across his eight innings of work against the Mets, relying instead on precision and a blend of pitches to keep the opposition from making solid contact.
Blue Jays' Historical Context
The anticipation for a potential no-hitter was palpable given the historical context for the Blue Jays. The last time a Toronto pitcher achieved this feat was over three decades ago—by Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990. The memory of Stieb’s no-hitter still looms large in Blue Jays lore, making Francis's near-miss all the more poignant for Toronto fans longing for a repeat of that storied performance.
Mets' Resilience
Despite being held hitless through eight innings, the New York Mets showed resilience, securing a 6-2 victory. The Mets’ win was notably the largest margin of victory for a team being no-hit through eight innings since the New York Yankees faced the Chicago White Sox in 1990. This victory was crucial for the Mets as it helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot, a significant milestone as they fight for a postseason berth.
Recent No-Hitters in MLB
Francis’s near no-hitter had the potential to be the fifth of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighting a recent surge in pitching dominance around the league. These brushes with perfection have added a layer of excitement and anticipation for fans and players alike.
Spotlight on Bowden Francis
Bowden Francis’s remarkable consistency in his recent starts has made him a standout pitcher to watch. In four of his last six starts, Francis has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. This exceptional performance is reflected in his remarkable statistic of conceding just 12 hits over his last 43 innings pitched, a testament to his precision and control on the mound.
As Francis continues to hone his craft and deliver stellar outings, the baseball community watches with bated breath. His ability to perform under pressure and flirt with no-hitters not only entertains but also cements his reputation as one of the game's rising stars. The echoes of his near-misses and the tantalizing possibility of a future no-hitter keep fans eagerly glued to his every pitch.